A Message To My Father, Mandela Poem by Kgomotso G Daweti

This is a Poem I wrote to Mourn the loss in My Country, South Africa. The passing of The Father of the Nation, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. This is not for Commerecial Enterprise, but to remind us all about how this great man lead an example on what Morals and Principles we should all live our lives following. This is a message to celebrate his life but not how it was lived. To mourn the Loss but Celebrate the Legacy he left behind.

Madiba – This is the name of the clan of which Mr Mandela is a member. A clan name is much more important than a surname as it refers to the ancestor from which a person is descended. Madiba was the name of a Thembu chief who ruled in the Transkei in the 18th century. It is considered very polite to use someone’s clan name.

Tata – This isiXhosa word means “father” and is a term of endearment that many South Africans use for Mr Mandela. Since he is a father figure to many, they call him Tata regardless of their own age.

Khulu – Mr Mandela is often called “Khulu”, which means great, paramount, grand. The speaker means “Great One” when referring to Mr Mandela in this way. It is also a shortened form of the isiXhosa word “uBawomkhulu” for “grandfather”.

Dalibhunga – This is the name Mr Mandela was given at the age of 16 once he had undergone initiation, the traditional Xhosa rite of passage into manhood. It means “creator or founder of the council” or “convenor of the dialogue”. The correct use of this name when greeting Mr Mandela is “Aaah! Dalibhunga”.